Five Questions
What made you choose your major?
I originally wanted to do environmental remediation in the oil industry, so I was a pre-major in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. By the time I was able to declare my major, I happily decided to settle into Environmental Systems Engineering after taking classes a few classes that made me fall in love with the field of sustainability. I wanted to choose something that had multiple options in terms of fields I could focus on and be qualified in. Also, I developed an interest in topics like wastewater management, carbon sequestration, and mineral processing through my time as a pre-major participating in the EME Summer Research Internships, so I wanted to make sure my major reflected all of my interests.
What student organizations and activities are you involved in?
I am the President of the Penn State Mine Rescue Team based here in EMS, and I am also on the board for the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, as well as Minorities in Earth and Mineral Sciences. I am also a Laureate of the Earth and Mineral Sciences Academy for Global Experience, and a member of the Earth and Mineral Sciences Sustainability Council.
What’s the best part about being an EMS student?
I believe that there are faculty and staff in EMS who genuinely care for the students. Although most of my interaction has been with professors in ENVSE, my research advisor and the professor I always ask to write a recommendation for me are in MNGE. Two of my research internships were with PNGE faculty. These are people that I still ask for help and that still check up on me often. It’s not just the people you see in your classes, but the professors you meet from participating in clubs or volunteering your time to the university as well are often your biggest advocates. And not just professors, but the staff in EMS is outstanding. Our admin support, advisors, program coordinators, etc. have always helped me whenever I was in need. Try to find the people you feel like you can depend on!
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective students?
To all prospective students, I want you to know that it is okay to take your time. I am a fifth-year student, and even though I’m in the IUG program, I needed all five years to finish my undergraduate. There is so much that you can do throughout your college experience - so many classes you can take because you think it’s fun or interesting, so many events to stop by, and so many people to meet and connect with. But your college experience is subjective, and whether your degree takes you three or five or six years (or more), you owe it to yourself to prioritize your health and take on only what you feel comfortable with.
What opportunities has Penn State provided for you so far?
I have completed four research projects through the EME Summer Research Internships. For my last two projects, I worked with Dr. Mohammed Rezaee who has become my graduate school research advisor. Through my work with him in the summer of 2022, I was hired to join his research group and have continued working on various research projects in order to prepare for my own since then. One of the students I worked with in Spring of 2023 actually recommended me for a job I was hired to at ARM Group LLC as a summer intern. Additionally, because I worked with Dr. Rezaee over the summer when I was a pre-major and have continued to work with him, my transition into the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate program was fairly easy due to already having projects and an advisor lined up. All of these things have been possible to me due to opportunities I’ve had at Penn State continuing to open doors for me.